Justin Hazzard Named November YPS360

Nov 05, 2018

As the director of the Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center for the last three years, Justin Hazzard has led international business development and provided export consulting to Oklahoma manufacturers. The Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center is a mixed-use business incubator that provides a “safe harbor” for startups and early stage companies. The center offers consulting, capital resources and coaching to entrepreneurs who are building a high-growth, scalable company.

Additionally, the startups are housed in a commercial facility that is designed to increase networking among entrepreneurs and provide wrap-around services and amenities that accelerate startup growth. Recently, Hazzard has taken on a development and leadership role with Startup Stillwater, a collaborative effort between Meridian Technology Center, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma State University. Startup Stillwater seeks to be the “front door to entrepreneurship” in Payne County.

As an individual who started his career as project manager for Century, LLC, a consumer goods manufacturer, there is no doubt Hazzard was the right person to lead Startup Stillwater. “I’m most proud of the regional partnership formed under Startup Stillwater, which houses multiple entrepreneurship programs including the Startup Accelerator and 1 Million Cups,” Hazzard said.

Hazzard is an active member in the Stillwater community, as he is involved with the Oklahoma WONDERtorium, Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Creative Oklahoma, Oklahoma Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program, and he also serves as the assistant to the little league flag football assistant coach.

“I can’t imagine raising my family anywhere else,” Hazzard said when asked about Stillwater. “The community is at an inflection point of growth and opportunity. I feel as if I’m at the cusp of a pivot point in Stillwater’s development.”

As an Emerging Leader striving to make Stillwater a better place, Hazzard shared his gratitude.

“It’s an honor to be among this group of recipients. I’m thankful for all of the young professionals of Stillwater who continue to make this community a shining spot in Oklahoma.”